Retirement visa

 

Applying for a South African Retired Person's permit allows those wishing to immigrate to South Africa to settle in the country on a temporary or permanent basis, if the financial criterion is satisfied. 

This South Africa visa category is designed for those intending to retire in the country. It is based upon applicants providing evidence of a lifelong pension or income.

 

This South African immigration service is a popular option for seasonal visitors, i.e. those visiting the country for a period of six months or longer. An important point to observe is that successful applicants are under no obligation to apply for permanent residence.

 

The temporary residency with a South Africa Retired Person’s permit can be extended if the applicant is considered eligible. If a person secures a temporary residency permit in South Africa under this visa program, then it is not mandatory for that person to apply for permanent residency. However, a permanent residency allows a resident to enjoy more benefits than a temporary resident in South Africa under this visa program. 

 

Since the purpose of immigration to South Africa is varied, a number of visas are issued to the applicants. A broad spectrum of immigration visas are offered depending upon the length of time a candidate will be visiting the country for and the purpose of their visit. 

 

Where candidates intend to relocate to South Africa for a short period, as a tourist or to visit family and friends a South African visitor visa, often referred to as a visit visa or travel visa will be required.

However, for those wishing to live and work in South Africa either for a specific period or on a permanent basis, a range of temporary residence and permanent residence permits are available.

 

Immigration to South Africa through the retired person's route can be either a temporary residence permit or a permanent residence permit. The temporary visa is granted for the comparatively lengthy duration of four years and is renewable indefinitely for four-year periods. The Permanent visa affords permanent residents the same rights and privileges as those with South African citizenship, with a few key exceptions, most notably the right to vote. 

 

In both cases, South African Retired Persons Permits are based upon financial criteria and unlike a South African Work permit, no prior job offer needs to be in place before an application can be made. Although unlike temporary South African visit visas, retired people are permitted to work if they wish.

 To obtain a Retired Person’s Permit in South Africa, no age limit is imposed. Retired person's visas may be awarded to people of all ages, proving that the eligibility requirements are met. 

 

When applying for a South African retired person's permit as a temporary immigration service, that is, to receive a temporary resident permit for South Africa, successful applicants may reside in the country for four years.

This four year period can be renewed any number of times and in addition, applicants may select whether to live and work in South Africa continually or seasonally. 

 

A person who wishes to apply for a South African Retired Person’s permit must be able to provide evidence of the following:

 

• A pension, retirement account or irrevocable annuity which has a value of at least R 20,000 per month. This requirement applies to each person making an application. 

 

• Alternatively, candidates may obtain a South African visa of this kind by demonstrating a "net worth" through a combination of assets, which equates to a minimum of R20,000 per month. Once again, this criterion applies to each person making an application. 

 

A person can apply for permanent residency in South Africa with a South African Retired Person’s permit. To apply for permanent residency under this visa program a person has to reside in the country while submitting the application and has to possess a temporary permit. 

 

An alternative route exists in the financially independent visa for which candidates would need to be able to demonstrate a net asset value totaling not less that R 7.5 million. 

In addition, it would also be necessary to demonstrate proof of payment of R 75,000 as a non-refundable sum to the Director General of Home Affairs.

 

When a candidate applies for a South African Retired Person’s Permit, each application is assessed individually and he/she may be allowed to work in this country. Applicants wishing to work will need to submit an employment contract and demonstrate that no South African citizen or resident is available for position. 

 

Spouse immigration and dependent immigration are not provided through temporary South African Retired person's visas. This route to South Africa is based upon the financial security of each applicant and unlike work permit visas or business visas, the dependent family members of retired applicants do not automatically qualify for the visit visa to accompany the principle applicant.

 

However, in cases where an applicant successfully obtains permanent residence as a retired person, their spouse and/or dependent children (those aged under 21) will also qualify for permanent residency.